“elasticity” of science
The massive funding in COVID-19 research and the “elasticity” of science
The case for investing in research to prevent pandemic outbreaks may have been strong. However, now that that pandemic is upon us, and given the many demands on the public purse, is it wise to invest large amounts in COVID-19 research? Indeed, public funders are multiplying initiatives to fund SARS-CoV-2 research. Strikingly, the NIH has received 1.8 billion dollars to spend in COVID-19 research. On a smaller scale, the EU, Canada, France, Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, South Africa and other countries - all have launched new initiatives and grant calls to support COVID-19 research. China is now running in excess of 500 clinical trials related to the coronavirus. And more research funding is probably forthcoming.Read more
